Marcus Mariota Takes on Johnny Manziel

Sep 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) runs with the ball against the New York Jets during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

 Manziel

Manziel has been through a lot off the field with the Browns already just a year and some change in. He wasn’t ready for the NFL last year and it wasn’t just because he was transitioning from the spread offense. He was still partying all night like he did at Texas A&M and when he got in a game, he was unprepared and looked awful.

Then this offseason, after a stint in alcohol rehab, Manziel turned over a new leaf and won the trust of his teammates back. He has worked very hard on the field and in the film room to be as prepared as he can be. Josh McCown went into the season as the starter for Week 1 against the New York Jets but was knocked out of the game.

Manziel would then enter the game and unlike last year when he got his chance, he looked as prepared as he could be. No, he didn’t have a great game but he was markedly better than last year and flashed a bit. He went 13-24 for 182 yards including a 54-yard touchdown pass and had some nice runs called back.

However, he did hold onto the too long at times, two of which resulting in fumbles and he threw an interception. But he wasn’t overwhelmed by the Jets blitz, he just tried to do too much at times. Sunday, we’ll see what he can do against defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau’s blitzes but inferior players to the Jets.

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